PELL CITY, AL (WBRC) - Despite opposition from some business owners, Pell City Councilors voted to increase the city's sales tax from 9% to 10%.
Pell City's Mayor Bill Hereford, who presented the ordinance to the council, said the increase will bring two million dollars a year in additional revenue to the city.
Mayor Hereford said over the next four years, half of the revenue generated will go to schools, the other half to help pay the city's debts. After that period, all of the money will go to the city.
"The idea that we can help our schools over the next four years, and help them through proration just makes sense," said Mayor Hereford, "We hope by partnering with them for this 4-year period, we can make a real difference in our education system."
A large group of Pell City teachers and administrators attended the meeting to support the tax increase. They said this extra money will help local schools make it through tough financial times.
"All of us know what happened with funding for schools statewide the last few years," said Pell City Schools Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hathcock, "The bulk of our money is state money, so this helps us maintain what we already have really."
Many Pell City business owners have voiced their opposition to the increase, and were not happy with the decision.
Monday, February 8, 2010
ClasTran asks for money from Birmingham City Council
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The future of ClasTran appears to be tied into Mayor Bell's new mass transit plan that is expected to be revealed tomorrow.
ClasTran has asked the city for $300,000 to keep running for the rest of the year, but tonight a city council committee delayed work on that request until they hear from the mayor.
ClasTran bus service helps transport senior citizens and the disabled to senior centers or doctor's appointments, but the service's leadership said in January they would need an additional $600,000 to have access to their federal funding and stay open for the rest of this year.
Jefferson County came up with $300,000 and Bessemer is contributing $15,000. But ClasTran is asking the city of Birmingham to come up with the difference.
"Sixty percent of our riders originate from the city of Birmingham, and we have never been given anything from the city of Birmingham to provide our local funding," said Fenn Church, ClasTran's executive director.
A proposal to give ClasTran $243,000 was tabled at a city council meeting Monday afternoon after Mayor William Bell asked the council to hold off until he unveils his master plan for mass transit citywide, expected Tuesday.
"Out of courtesy, out of respect to him, allow him to put his plan before us, and then we can tweak it however we think we need to deal with that," said Steven Hoty, the City Council's President Pro Tempore.
Despite the delay, ClasTran officials and Hoyt feel certain the agency will eventually get the money it needs to keep operating.
"He understands ClasTran," Church said of Bell. "He's been associated with us for a long time and I think he understands our needs and I think he will try to help us out any way that he can. "
"I think he is inclined to provide some funding for a period of time, as he is looking at other things with respect to the transit system," Hoyt said. "ClasTran is important to us as well."
ClasTran officials say they don't need all of the money from the city right now, they just need a commitment so that they can start drawing matching federal funds.
ClasTran has asked the city for $300,000 to keep running for the rest of the year, but tonight a city council committee delayed work on that request until they hear from the mayor.
ClasTran bus service helps transport senior citizens and the disabled to senior centers or doctor's appointments, but the service's leadership said in January they would need an additional $600,000 to have access to their federal funding and stay open for the rest of this year.
Jefferson County came up with $300,000 and Bessemer is contributing $15,000. But ClasTran is asking the city of Birmingham to come up with the difference.
"Sixty percent of our riders originate from the city of Birmingham, and we have never been given anything from the city of Birmingham to provide our local funding," said Fenn Church, ClasTran's executive director.
A proposal to give ClasTran $243,000 was tabled at a city council meeting Monday afternoon after Mayor William Bell asked the council to hold off until he unveils his master plan for mass transit citywide, expected Tuesday.
"Out of courtesy, out of respect to him, allow him to put his plan before us, and then we can tweak it however we think we need to deal with that," said Steven Hoty, the City Council's President Pro Tempore.
Despite the delay, ClasTran officials and Hoyt feel certain the agency will eventually get the money it needs to keep operating.
"He understands ClasTran," Church said of Bell. "He's been associated with us for a long time and I think he understands our needs and I think he will try to help us out any way that he can. "
"I think he is inclined to provide some funding for a period of time, as he is looking at other things with respect to the transit system," Hoyt said. "ClasTran is important to us as well."
ClasTran officials say they don't need all of the money from the city right now, they just need a commitment so that they can start drawing matching federal funds.
Etowah Co. Commissioners vote on bingo guidelines
ETOWAH CO., AL (WBRC) - Etowah County Commissioners voted this morning in a special meeting today to make county bingo rules line up with the guidelines issued by the State Supreme Court.
Paper bingo has been legal in the county for years, but there is a lawsuit pending in court to determine whether the guidelines for paper bingo apply to electronic bingo. Etowah County Sheriff, Todd Entrekin, requested that the guidelines be reviewed.
The decision is a major one because a development near Attalla centers around electronic bingo and could bring 2,000 jobs once it's finished.
The vote by the county commission sets up for a dig decision from Circuit Court Judge Allen Millican. Two of the machines to be used in Attalla will be brought into the courtroom for a hearing March 3rd. Judge Millican will ultimately make the decision on whether the machines are legal.
Paper bingo has been legal in the county for years, but there is a lawsuit pending in court to determine whether the guidelines for paper bingo apply to electronic bingo. Etowah County Sheriff, Todd Entrekin, requested that the guidelines be reviewed.
The decision is a major one because a development near Attalla centers around electronic bingo and could bring 2,000 jobs once it's finished.
The vote by the county commission sets up for a dig decision from Circuit Court Judge Allen Millican. Two of the machines to be used in Attalla will be brought into the courtroom for a hearing March 3rd. Judge Millican will ultimately make the decision on whether the machines are legal.
Murder Trial Begins Today
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Murder trial begins today for suspects Damien McDaniels and Alphonza Holmes. Both are charged with shooting and killing Cedric Burch.
The shooting happened in July of 2007 at a gas station on Richard Scrushy Parkway in Fairfield. Investigators say Burch parked his car at a gas pump and was walking toward the store when another car pulled up and opened fire.
Burch collapsed on the sidewalk and was pronounced dead a little bit later.
The shooting happened in July of 2007 at a gas station on Richard Scrushy Parkway in Fairfield. Investigators say Burch parked his car at a gas pump and was walking toward the store when another car pulled up and opened fire.
Burch collapsed on the sidewalk and was pronounced dead a little bit later.
Man found shot to death in Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - After more than a month of no homicides, the Birmingham police are investigating their second fatal shooting in less than 24 hours. They responded to a shooting around 7:30pm at Princeton Court Parkway. When police arrived on the scene they found a man in the street shot to death. There is no word on a motive or the identity of the victim.
Woman found murdered in a Birmingham apartment
Birmingham police are investigating the city's first murder committed in 2010.
This is classified as the city's 2nd homicide, but the first was a victim who was attacked back in December and died in January.
Birmingham police were called to an apartment complex off Pinson Valley Parkway around 3:30 sunday afternoon and within minutes investigators knew they had their first murder scene of 2010.
"We have a deceased female inside one of the apartments," said Sgt. Johnny Williams of the Birmingham Police. "One of the residents arrived home and located the victim lying inside. We're not releasing the cause of death at this time."
Police are saying little else about how the victim was killed or if there was anyone else in the apartment at the time.
Officers handcuffed a man at the scene, but were quick to point out they've made no arrests.
"Right now no one's been placed under arrest at this point," Williams said. "We do have a witness that we're interviewing, but no one's been placed under arrest at this point."
As anxious neighbors looked on, homicide investigators poured over the scene and the police department's spokesperson reflected on the city breaking a streak of more than a month without a homicide being committed.
"These type situations here is out of police control," Williams said. "It's inside the residence and we can't really control this. It's a tragic situation and we hope to bring the person to justice as soon as we can."
Police say they won't release more information about the identity of this victim until they can notify the victim's family.
This is classified as the city's 2nd homicide, but the first was a victim who was attacked back in December and died in January.
Birmingham police were called to an apartment complex off Pinson Valley Parkway around 3:30 sunday afternoon and within minutes investigators knew they had their first murder scene of 2010.
"We have a deceased female inside one of the apartments," said Sgt. Johnny Williams of the Birmingham Police. "One of the residents arrived home and located the victim lying inside. We're not releasing the cause of death at this time."
Police are saying little else about how the victim was killed or if there was anyone else in the apartment at the time.
Officers handcuffed a man at the scene, but were quick to point out they've made no arrests.
"Right now no one's been placed under arrest at this point," Williams said. "We do have a witness that we're interviewing, but no one's been placed under arrest at this point."
As anxious neighbors looked on, homicide investigators poured over the scene and the police department's spokesperson reflected on the city breaking a streak of more than a month without a homicide being committed.
"These type situations here is out of police control," Williams said. "It's inside the residence and we can't really control this. It's a tragic situation and we hope to bring the person to justice as soon as we can."
Police say they won't release more information about the identity of this victim until they can notify the victim's family.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Local mayors react to Supreme Court decision
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - After an Alabama Supreme Court decision that shuts down bingo halls, some elected leaders are now trying to figure how the decision will affect their city's economics.
This news comes at a time when many area cities are already operating under tight budgets.
In Fairfield, the city's bingo halls closed their doors Friday evening. The Fairfield city attorney said this change could have a significant impact on the city's economy.
"I think this city will have to really go into tough decisions as to their services as to personnel," said Michael Trucks, "It is unfortunate. It is just the reality."
In Midfield, Mayor Gary Richardson said the city will not cut jobs, but bingo would have brought in some additional revenue to buy police cars and other equipment.
He added that city leaders will have to scale back their wish lists, but he is hoping it will be business as usual.
"It's like the old adage, 'You don't miss what you never had,' said Richardson, "We certainly don't miss it. We could have used it. However, we have not based our budget on bingo."
Bessemer Mayor Edward May has been opposed to bingo halls in his city from the beginning.
He said he supports the Alabama Supreme Court's decision.
He said Bessemer's finances will not be impacted, and he thinks it will benefit the city overall.
"Maybe now we can get down to business," said May, "We were having all these bingo meetings, but now we can have budget meetings so we can adopt a general fund budget for the city."
All three men agree this is an issue that interests local residents. And as a result, they will continue to monitor the situation.
This news comes at a time when many area cities are already operating under tight budgets.
In Fairfield, the city's bingo halls closed their doors Friday evening. The Fairfield city attorney said this change could have a significant impact on the city's economy.
"I think this city will have to really go into tough decisions as to their services as to personnel," said Michael Trucks, "It is unfortunate. It is just the reality."
In Midfield, Mayor Gary Richardson said the city will not cut jobs, but bingo would have brought in some additional revenue to buy police cars and other equipment.
He added that city leaders will have to scale back their wish lists, but he is hoping it will be business as usual.
"It's like the old adage, 'You don't miss what you never had,' said Richardson, "We certainly don't miss it. We could have used it. However, we have not based our budget on bingo."
Bessemer Mayor Edward May has been opposed to bingo halls in his city from the beginning.
He said he supports the Alabama Supreme Court's decision.
He said Bessemer's finances will not be impacted, and he thinks it will benefit the city overall.
"Maybe now we can get down to business," said May, "We were having all these bingo meetings, but now we can have budget meetings so we can adopt a general fund budget for the city."
All three men agree this is an issue that interests local residents. And as a result, they will continue to monitor the situation.
Investigators looking for Center Point burglars
CENTER POINT, AL (WBRC) - Folks are being told to take steps to protect their homes, and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has increased patrols in the Center Point.
Over the last month, there have been 7 burglaries in the Lake Park Subdivision.
It's a small neighborhood, so authorities call the crimes a disturbing trend.
The burglaries are happening under daylight. Thieves are taking valuable like electronics and jewelry.
Folks say they are scared in their own homes because of the spike in burglaries.
Authorities are working leads and may have the evidence to bring charges.
"In two of the burglaries we got DNA from where we believe two different suspects they cut themselves breaking in," said Randy Christian, Chief Deputy of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. "We are having that analyzed."
"I'm having window guards put on my windows, (and) put a new security door up. I don't know anything else I can do," said Marie Mcwhirter who lives in neighborhood.
Chief Deputy Christian says more than likely these suspects were watching the homeowners to learn their daily routines and know when they were away from home.
Of course, if you know anything about these break-ins you're urged to call the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
Over the last month, there have been 7 burglaries in the Lake Park Subdivision.
It's a small neighborhood, so authorities call the crimes a disturbing trend.
The burglaries are happening under daylight. Thieves are taking valuable like electronics and jewelry.
Folks say they are scared in their own homes because of the spike in burglaries.
Authorities are working leads and may have the evidence to bring charges.
"In two of the burglaries we got DNA from where we believe two different suspects they cut themselves breaking in," said Randy Christian, Chief Deputy of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. "We are having that analyzed."
"I'm having window guards put on my windows, (and) put a new security door up. I don't know anything else I can do," said Marie Mcwhirter who lives in neighborhood.
Chief Deputy Christian says more than likely these suspects were watching the homeowners to learn their daily routines and know when they were away from home.
Of course, if you know anything about these break-ins you're urged to call the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
Investigators looking for Center Point burglars
CENTER POINT, AL (WBRC) - Folks are being told to take steps to protect their homes, and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has increased patrols in the Center Point.
Over the last month, there have been 7 burglaries in the Lake Park Subdivision.
It's a small neighborhood, so authorities call the crimes a disturbing trend.
The burglaries are happening under daylight. Thieves are taking valuable like electronics and jewelry.
Folks say they are scared in their own homes because of the spike in burglaries.
Authorities are working leads and may have the evidence to bring charges.
"In two of the burglaries we got DNA from where we believe two different suspects they cut themselves breaking in," said Randy Christian, Chief Deputy of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. "We are having that analyzed."
"I'm having window guards put on my windows, (and) put a new security door up. I don't know anything else I can do.," said Marie Mcwhirter who lives in neighborhood.
Chief Deputy Christian says more than likely these suspects were watching the homeowners to learn their daily routines and know when they were away from home.
Of course, if you know anything about these break-ins you're urged to call the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
Over the last month, there have been 7 burglaries in the Lake Park Subdivision.
It's a small neighborhood, so authorities call the crimes a disturbing trend.
The burglaries are happening under daylight. Thieves are taking valuable like electronics and jewelry.
Folks say they are scared in their own homes because of the spike in burglaries.
Authorities are working leads and may have the evidence to bring charges.
"In two of the burglaries we got DNA from where we believe two different suspects they cut themselves breaking in," said Randy Christian, Chief Deputy of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. "We are having that analyzed."
"I'm having window guards put on my windows, (and) put a new security door up. I don't know anything else I can do.," said Marie Mcwhirter who lives in neighborhood.
Chief Deputy Christian says more than likely these suspects were watching the homeowners to learn their daily routines and know when they were away from home.
Of course, if you know anything about these break-ins you're urged to call the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
Madison, AL teen dies from school shooting
Madison, AL (AP) - A teen was shot at Discovery Middle School in Madison, AL around 1:45pm Friday.
When emergency personnel arrived, they found 14-year-old Todd T. Brown shot. He was transported to Huntsville Hospital where for hours, he was in listed in critical condition.
Friday night, he passed away.
The suspect was apprehended by the Madison Police Department, and that night, police charged the suspect with murder. He's currently detained in the Neaves-Davis Center for Children.
No other student, staff, or faculty was injured during the incident.
The school was in lockdown while police secured the scene. Children were released at normal time after police had concluded their safety checks.
Officials will be working with school system counselors and local churches to provide counseling and other support services for the community.
Police have not publicized the suspect's identity.
When emergency personnel arrived, they found 14-year-old Todd T. Brown shot. He was transported to Huntsville Hospital where for hours, he was in listed in critical condition.
Friday night, he passed away.
The suspect was apprehended by the Madison Police Department, and that night, police charged the suspect with murder. He's currently detained in the Neaves-Davis Center for Children.
No other student, staff, or faculty was injured during the incident.
The school was in lockdown while police secured the scene. Children were released at normal time after police had concluded their safety checks.
Officials will be working with school system counselors and local churches to provide counseling and other support services for the community.
Police have not publicized the suspect's identity.
Bingo halls in Jefferson County urged to close
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The clock is ticking on bingo halls in the western area of Jefferson County, who were told Friday they should close their doors or face raids by the governor's anti-gambling task force.
At court hearing in Bessemer Friday, Jefferson Co. Circuit Judge Eugene Verin told a crowded courtroom of attorneys and bingo operators he would not stop any law enforcement investigation into their facilities. Verin said after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled Thursday night that a judge could not stop raids by the governor's Illegal Gambling Task Force against Victoryland, Judge Verin said he would obey the court.
After Judge Verin's announcement, Arthur Green, the Jefferson County District Attorney for the Bessemer division, told the bingo operators to shut down by by 6 p.m. Friday.
"I'm not morally opposed to gambling," said Green. "That is a decision someone else has to make, but I am and do have the duty to enforce the law and the law right now is these machines are illegal."
Green said he spoke with the commander of the task force, John Tyson, before the hearing, who agreed with Green's offer to let bingo halls remove their machines instead of the task force.
"Meaning you padlock their businesses so the machines can't be used," Green said. "Then they can take them out as they can in some reasonable period of time."
The district attorney said Tyson will seize their machines if the bingo halls do not shut down Friday night. He said a raid could be possible as early as this weekend.
The city of Fairfield stands to lose millions of possible dollars if the bingo halls are closed. The city attorney, Michael Trucks, said the decision by the district attorney would have an impact on the city.
"I think the city will have to go into really tough decisions as to their services, as to their personnel," said Trucks. "It's unfortunate but it's reality."
Over at the Anchor Club in Bessemer, a mother of three who has worked at the bingo charity for six months says it will be tough to lose her job.
"It's sad," said Arnitra Davis. "It gave people jobs. As bad as the economy is now. We are going to have to find work some where else."
Attorneys for the bingo charities said Friday they believe electronic bingo is still possible under the new guidelines set by the Alabama Supreme Court. Bingo supporters are also urging the Alabama Legislature to pass legislation which could legalize electronic bingo gaming.
At court hearing in Bessemer Friday, Jefferson Co. Circuit Judge Eugene Verin told a crowded courtroom of attorneys and bingo operators he would not stop any law enforcement investigation into their facilities. Verin said after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled Thursday night that a judge could not stop raids by the governor's Illegal Gambling Task Force against Victoryland, Judge Verin said he would obey the court.
After Judge Verin's announcement, Arthur Green, the Jefferson County District Attorney for the Bessemer division, told the bingo operators to shut down by by 6 p.m. Friday.
"I'm not morally opposed to gambling," said Green. "That is a decision someone else has to make, but I am and do have the duty to enforce the law and the law right now is these machines are illegal."
Green said he spoke with the commander of the task force, John Tyson, before the hearing, who agreed with Green's offer to let bingo halls remove their machines instead of the task force.
"Meaning you padlock their businesses so the machines can't be used," Green said. "Then they can take them out as they can in some reasonable period of time."
The district attorney said Tyson will seize their machines if the bingo halls do not shut down Friday night. He said a raid could be possible as early as this weekend.
The city of Fairfield stands to lose millions of possible dollars if the bingo halls are closed. The city attorney, Michael Trucks, said the decision by the district attorney would have an impact on the city.
"I think the city will have to go into really tough decisions as to their services, as to their personnel," said Trucks. "It's unfortunate but it's reality."
Over at the Anchor Club in Bessemer, a mother of three who has worked at the bingo charity for six months says it will be tough to lose her job.
"It's sad," said Arnitra Davis. "It gave people jobs. As bad as the economy is now. We are going to have to find work some where else."
Attorneys for the bingo charities said Friday they believe electronic bingo is still possible under the new guidelines set by the Alabama Supreme Court. Bingo supporters are also urging the Alabama Legislature to pass legislation which could legalize electronic bingo gaming.
Wheels on the bus: Birmingham mayor takes a ride
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham mayor William Bell rode a MAX bus Friday, outlining problems within the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority.
The BJCTA has asked the city for $9 million dollars to balance its budget and stay open. However, Bell said Friday that will not happen unless major changes are made.
The newly elected mayor also said the entire system needs to be overhauled to make MAX more reliable and accountable.
FOX6 News reporter Ashley Nix will have more on this story tonight on FOX 6 News at 5.
The BJCTA has asked the city for $9 million dollars to balance its budget and stay open. However, Bell said Friday that will not happen unless major changes are made.
The newly elected mayor also said the entire system needs to be overhauled to make MAX more reliable and accountable.
FOX6 News reporter Ashley Nix will have more on this story tonight on FOX 6 News at 5.
Etowah County drug investigation uncovers tax fraud ring
ETOWAH COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - While investigating a drug trafficking operation, Etowah County deputies have busted a tax fraud operation.
Deputies have arrested and charged three people from Rockledge with drug trafficking. They say while executing the search warrant, they discovered a tax fraud operation.
Investigators say the suspects were creating false sales contracts for non-existing houses to abuse the first-time home buyer's tax credit.
The IRS is investigating.
Deputies have arrested and charged three people from Rockledge with drug trafficking. They say while executing the search warrant, they discovered a tax fraud operation.
Investigators say the suspects were creating false sales contracts for non-existing houses to abuse the first-time home buyer's tax credit.
The IRS is investigating.
Bond set for daycare owner accused of sexual abuse
VESTAVIA HILLS, AL (WBRC) - A judge has set a $100,000 bond for a Vestavia Hills daycare owner accused of sexually abusing two 5-year-old girls.
If Scott Frost makes bond, he must stay in his home. He would not be allowed contact with the alleged victims.
Frost owns Christian's Day Care and Learning Academy. He was arrested last week on charges of abusing two girls who attend the center.
If Scott Frost makes bond, he must stay in his home. He would not be allowed contact with the alleged victims.
Frost owns Christian's Day Care and Learning Academy. He was arrested last week on charges of abusing two girls who attend the center.
Serra Toyota announces recall plans
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Local Toyota dealerships are trying to be pro-active about the massive nationwide recall.
On Friday, officials at Serra Toyota announced their strategy for keeping customers. If you have concerns about the safety of driving your car to their lot, the dealership is promising to pick up recalled cars within a 20 mile radius of their service department. They are also offering a free loaner car while you wait for yours to be fixed.
The repair takes about 30 minutes and Serra Toyota plans to extend hours at their service department to repair customer's cars.
The dealership urges owners to call and make an appointment.
On Friday, officials at Serra Toyota announced their strategy for keeping customers. If you have concerns about the safety of driving your car to their lot, the dealership is promising to pick up recalled cars within a 20 mile radius of their service department. They are also offering a free loaner car while you wait for yours to be fixed.
The repair takes about 30 minutes and Serra Toyota plans to extend hours at their service department to repair customer's cars.
The dealership urges owners to call and make an appointment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
